American Freethought Podcast

An atheist podcast hosted by John C. Snider. "Question. Think. Decide." If you'd like to contribute to the podcast, you can Paypal funds to [email protected].

357 - Ryan Cragun (Beyond Doubt) 05/29/2023

357 - Ryan Cragun (Beyond Doubt) I interview Ryan Cragun, co-author of Beyond Doubt: The Secularization of Society, a new book that makes a compelling argument that secularization has indeed been happening, both in the United States and around the world. You can buy a copy of for yourself. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/26980722

356 - Matt Johnson (How Hitchens Can Save the Left) 03/25/2023

356 - Matt Johnson (How Hitchens Can Save the Left) I interview Matt Johnson, whose new book How Hitchens Can Save the Left argues that the late Christopher Hitchens's staunch defense of classical liberalism is still useful, even 11 years after his death, in helping the American Left to resist some of its more illiberal tendencies. Buy a copy of for yourself! Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/26339310

355 - Joseph Monninger (Goodbye to Clocks Ticking) 02/27/2023

355 - Joseph Monninger (Goodbye to Clocks Ticking) I interview Joseph Monninger, a college professor and novelist who discovered, only three days after his retirement, that he had terminal lung cancer and likely only months to live. His memoir Goodbye to Clocks Ticking is a heartfelt, humanistic account of facing death and processing an unexpected reprieve. Buy a copy of for yourself, and be sure to check out Joe's other books. Reading/listening recommendations: by Stephen Bullivant. "," a profile in The New Yorker magazine by David Remnick. , a podcast hosted by Megan Phelps-Roper. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/26053398

354 - Bradley Onishi (Preparing for War) 01/02/2023

354 - Bradley Onishi (Preparing for War) I interview Bradley Onishi, cohost of the Straight White American Jesus podcast, and author of the new book Preparing for War: The Extremist History of White Christian Nationalism—And What Comes Next. It's a terrifying look at the recent history of Christian nationalism and evangelical support for anti-democratic ideas. For more about Bradley and his work visit . Listen to his podcast . Buy a copy of Preparing for War . Also mentioned in the podcast: The outgoing Congress passed a bill (which President Biden signed into law) authorizing a in the District of Columbia. One of the sponsors of the bill, Congressman Jamie Raskin (a Democrat representing Maryland's 8th district, and cofounder of the Congressional Freethough Caucus), announced last month that he has been ; nonethless, he expects a full recover after receiving chemotherapy. We wish him a speedy recovery. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/25486557

353 - Daniel Sokatch (Can We Talk about Israel?) 12/18/2022

353 - Daniel Sokatch (Can We Talk about Israel?) I interview Daniel Sokatch, CEO of the New Israel Fund and author of Can We Talk about Israel? A Guide for the Curious, Confused, and Conflicted. Buy a copy of for yourself. For more about the New Israel Fund, visit . Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/25363644

352 - Emily Dreyfuss (Meme Wars) 12/07/2022

352 - Emily Dreyfuss (Meme Wars) I interview Emily Dreyfuss, co-author (with Dr. Joan Donovan and Brian Friedberg) of Meme Wars: The Untold Story of the Online Battles Upending Democracy in America. Buy a copy of for yourself. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/25245393

351 - David Hollinger (Christianity's American Fate) 10/27/2022

351 - David Hollinger (Christianity's American Fate) With less than two weeks to go before the midterms, I talk with David A. Hollinger, history professor at the University of California, Berkley, and author of Christianity's American Fate: How Religion Became More Conservative and Society More Secular. This timely new book explores how, while American culture remains overwhelmingly secular, evangelical Christianity has outperformed its more liberal American counterparts and gained control of the Republican Party. Buy a copy of for yourself. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/24813921

350 - David Driscoll on SCOTUS rulings, Jan 6th, and more! 07/03/2022

350 - David Driscoll on SCOTUS rulings, Jan 6th, and more! For this special episode, I'm joined by podcast co-founder and co-host emeritus David Driscoll. We talk about the recent disastrous Supreme Court rulings (Carson v Makin, Kennedy v Bremerton, and Dobbs v Jackson); the ramifications of the House Select Committee on the events of January 6, 2021; and possible Constitutional crises and other terrifying scenarios that might play out over the next couple of years. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/23616320

349 - Nadya Dutchin (Exec Dir, American Humanist Association) 05/30/2022

349 - Nadya Dutchin (Exec Dir, American Humanist Association) I interview Nadya Dutchin, the new Executive Director of the American Humanist Association. Our wide-ranging discussion includes her plans and hopes for the AHA; reaction to the gun massacres in Buffalo, NY and Uvalde, TX; raising secular kids in the current social and political climate; the effect of the newly conservative Supreme Court on litigation; and the future of secularism and humanism in America. For more information about the American Humanist Association, visit . Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/23268026

348 - Association of Secular Elected Officials 05/11/2022

348 - Association of Secular Elected Officials I speak to two members of the leadership of the Association of Secular Elected Officials (ASEO), a new organization devoted to helping elected officials be authentic about their beliefs and ethics, and providing a forum for elected officials to connect with each other for education, support and fellowship. Leonard Pressberg is the founder and president of the Association, and serves on the Board of Education in Fayette County, Georgia. Kristiana de Leon is on the Board of Directors of the Association, and serves on the City Council of Black Diamond, Washington. For more about the Association visit . Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: Twitter: Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/23082068

347 - Christopher M. Finan (How Free Speech Saved Democracy) 04/29/2022

347 - Christopher M. Finan (How Free Speech Saved Democracy) I interview Christopher M. Finan, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Censorship, and author of the new book How Free Speech Saved Democracy: The Untold History of How the First Amendment Became an Essential Tool for Securing Liberty and Social Justice. Buy a copy of for yourself! For more about Chris Finan, visit . For more about the National Coalition Against Censorship, visit . Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: (also ) Twitter: (also ) Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/22956473

346 - Kevin Bolling (Exec. Dir., Secular Student Alliance) 04/01/2022

346 - Kevin Bolling (Exec. Dir., Secular Student Alliance) I interview Kevin Bolling, Executive Director of the Secular Student Alliance, a non-profit organization whose purpose is to educate high school and college students about the value of scientific reason and the intellectual basis of secularism in its atheistic and humanistic manifestations. We talk about how SSA was affected by the pandemic, about the organization's plans in a post-pandemic world, and what today's young people's religious and social attitudes mean for the future of America. For more about the Secular Student Alliance, visit . You can find them on social media @SecularStudents. Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: (also ) Twitter: (also ) Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/22643636

345 - Andrew Fiala (Tyranny from Plato to Trump) 03/15/2022

345 - Andrew Fiala (Tyranny from Plato to Trump) I interview Andrew Fiala about his new book Tyranny from Plato to Trump: Fools, Sycophants, and Citizens. It's an exploration of the psychological and social dynamics involving tyrants and would-be tyrants, their enablers, and the mobs who cheer them on. For more about Andrew visit . Buy a copy of Tyranny from Plato to Trump . Also, check out at (my new online project featuring book and movie reviews, essays, and commentary). Theme music courtesy of . Follow American Freethought on the intertubes: Website: (also ) Twitter: (also ) Facebook: Libsyn Classic Feed: Contact: Support the Podcast: funds to [email protected] /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/22450214

344 - Crawford Gribben (The Rise and Fall of Christian Ireland) 12/28/2021

344 - Crawford Gribben (The Rise and Fall of Christian Ireland) Interview with the historian and professor about his new book, which looks at Irish history from the late Roman Era through the rapid secularization of 21st century. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/21602114

The Kentucky-Darwin Connection 12/26/2021

The Kentucky-Darwin Connection Here's a new essay I've written, posted on the new blog SnideShow.com, about the overlooked battle over creationism and evolution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. To keep track of new postings at SnideShow.com, follow me on Twitter @johncsnider. Thanks! /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/21600326

343 - Ben Burgis (10 Years without a Hitch) 12/14/2021

343 - Ben Burgis (10 Years without a Hitch) Remembering Christopher Hitchens on the tenth anniversary of his death. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/21452111

342 - Let's Not Go Brandon 11/30/2021

342 - Let's Not Go Brandon How conservatives use low-ball humor, sarcasm, and insincerity to spread bigotry and hate. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/21304376

341 - Bruce Ledewitz (The Universe Is on Our Side) 11/16/2021

341 - Bruce Ledewitz (The Universe Is on Our Side) Conversation with a law professor about the current crisis of meaning in American society. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/21158891

340 - David G. McAfee (Hi, I'm an Atheist!) 11/02/2021

340 - David G. McAfee (Hi, I'm an Atheist!) An interview with the author an activist about how to "come out" as an atheist, and what resources are available both online and in the real world. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/21001217

339 - Leigh Eric Schmidt (The Church of Saint Thomas Paine) 10/19/2021

339 - Leigh Eric Schmidt (The Church of Saint Thomas Paine) Interview with the author of a new book on the history of American Secularism. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/20844233

338 - Thomas Cathcart (There Is No God and Mary Is His Mother) 10/05/2021

338 - Thomas Cathcart (There Is No God and Mary Is His Mother) An interview with the author and philosopher about his new book, which explores whether Christianity can still be meaningful in the absence of its traditional doctrines. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/20706095

337 - Mary Roach (Fuzz) 09/19/2021

337 - Mary Roach (Fuzz) An interview with the award-winning popular science writer about her humorous new exploration of human-animal interaction in an age of exploding populations and global warming. Plus: Twenty years after 9/11. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/20520326

336 - Jennifer Hochschild (Genomic Politics) 09/05/2021

336 - Jennifer Hochschild (Genomic Politics) An interview with the Harvard professor about how the revolution in genomic science is shaping American society. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/20369381

335 - Obery Hendricks (Christians Against Christianity) 08/22/2021

335 - Obery Hendricks (Christians Against Christianity) An interview with Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr., about how conservative Christians have pursued political power at the expense of Biblical teachings like love, mercy, tolerance, and justice. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/20214707

334 - Rep. Jared Huffman (Congressional Freethought Caucus) 08/08/2021

334 - Rep. Jared Huffman (Congressional Freethought Caucus) An interview with the co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Freethought Caucus. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/20065010

333 - John V. Petrocelli (The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit) 07/25/2021

333 - John V. Petrocelli (The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit) An interview with Wake Forest University Professor of Psychology about his new book, which explores the definition of bullshit, its uses and abuses, and how we can become better at identifying and countering it. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/19917170

332 - Muhammad Syed (President, Ex-Muslims of North America) 07/11/2021

332 - Muhammad Syed (President, Ex-Muslims of North America) An interview focusing on the recent Apostate Report, which analyzes why Muslims living in the United States and Canada decide to leave the faith. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/19740719

331 - Benjamin Radford 06/27/2021

331 - Benjamin Radford Interview with skeptical investigator, author, and podcast Ben Radford on a variety of topics, including the upcoming Pentagon UFO report, Havana Syndrome, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny's assertion that the COVID-19 vaccine magnetizes people, and the current state of skepticism in America. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/19572785

330 - Daniel A. Sjursen (A True History of the United States) 06/13/2021

330 - Daniel A. Sjursen (A True History of the United States) Interview with Daniel A. Sjursen, retired combat veteran and former West Point history instructor, about his new book A True History of the United States, which tackles head-on the dark aspects of America's past: racism, genocide, conquest, and capitalist hegemony. /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/19451885

329 - Philip Jenkins (Climate, Catastrophe, and Faith) 05/30/2021

329 - Philip Jenkins (Climate, Catastrophe, and Faith) Interview with the Baylor University historian on "How Changes in Climate Drive Religious Upheaval" /episode/index/show/americanfreethought/id/19285979

American Freethought Podcast

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